Washington: It is important to have a clean colon and lately colon cleansing is the adopted trend for aiding weight loss and detox.

Ask any expert and he / she will admit that colon cleansing is meant for medical purpose and should be recommended by doctors only. So is it safe for you to recommend it to yourself for the purpose of weight loss and detox? Dr. Dinesh Singal, Consultant Gastroenterologist with Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute (PSRI Hospital) gives us an in-depth analysis of this dangerous weight loss and detox trend.

Benefits of colon cleansing

Colon cleansing powders and solutions are easily available in the market making it accessible to the public. Dr. Dinesh Singal reprimands this blatant use of colon cleansing method for weight loss or detox. He replies, "Medical science does not routinely recommend colon cleansing as it has no proven medical benefits."

Who is recommended to follow colon cleansing process?

Gastroenterologist Dr. Dinesh says, "Something like colon cleansing is done in patients with hepatic coma or in those with severe constipation or as a preparation for colonoscopy and before abdominal surgeries." He sends a clear message that colon cleansing procedure is not meant for regular detox and weight loss sessions.

What are the negative effects of regular colon cleansing?

There are several weight loss and detox methods that has popped up globally, but you must get expert advice before the procedure does more harm to you than good. Same goes for colon cleansing; Dr. Dinesh explains "It can cause damage to the colon like rupture and infections."

Should you try colon cleansing for weight loss and detox?

"This is not recommended by modern medicine," justifies Dr. Dinesh. If you plan on following a colon cleansing for detox and weight loss, know that it not a healthy for your body and can cause internal ruptures.

Natural ways of colon cleansing

Go natural for colon cleansing! How? By having foods rich in fiber and drink plenty of water. Plus also consume plenty of Whole grains, legumes, dried fruits and nuts and vegetables. You need to have five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.